★ 5

I love this old school gym! Amazing equipment, old school atmosphere. I will always come train here when I'm in St Cloud

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Despite this one guy (I think his name is Marsh or Mersh or something online) getting some kind of unidentifiable grease all over a big section of the machines (he didn't even use them, he just kind of passed by their general vicinity & left this slime trail), the staff were quick to push him out into the street with mops & brooms where he kind of rolled into the street like an exercise ball. I think he was holding up traffic because a bus couldn't get around him but I was too locked into my workout to get a good idea of it.

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★ 5

Nice facility even though there was this Schiele guy in the locker room that kept checking me and another guy out at the same time somehow

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★ 5

Coach Scott is a great guy! He obviously loves what he does and it shows. Highly recommend.

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★ 5

Visit Downtown Gym and Fitness if you're in the Saint Cloud area! Great group of people led by Coach Scott! Highly recommend!

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★ 5

The place is nice. Owner is a saint. Would highly recommend going there and getting a membership!

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★ 5

Coach Scott is a wonderful guy and coach.

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★ 5

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★ 5

This is an incredible place. Old school gym with a great owner - Scott. He teaches old-school values and accepts everyone who comes in. Work hard, show up on time, and you'll get positive life lessons from Scott. Highly recommended.

Source: Google

★ 5

Coach Scott seems like a genuinely good man. I’m sorry that he got mixed up with a slanderous sociopath like Aaron. Moving to the area soon and hopefully there’s room on the roster for my son to learn some life lessons and the sweet science

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★ 5

Coach Scott is a wonderful person. He is dedicated to running a safe gym and would do anything in his power for his students. Highly recommend this gym as long as coach Scott is in charge.

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★ 5

Clean & Safe. This is where you want to go.

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★ 5

Great gym! Scott is a great motivator

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★ 5

Coach Scott is a wonderful man and coach. He genuinely cares for and looks after his students.

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★ 5

Scott's a great coach

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★ 5

Everyone should support this gym if you are in the St. Cloud area. Coach Scott seems like a great guy and really enjoys helping the community. His interviews have won me over and I apologize for my previous review that was all about a gym member who has a very bad reputation.

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★ 5

Scott is an incredible teacher. Best around.

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★ 5

The absolute best boxing gym in Minnesota. 🥊🥊 Golden Tiger boxing is up there too. Maybe a tie 🤷‍♂️ 💪🏻😉

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★ 5

Saw a live stream last week from this gym where Scott said he misses coach Aaron as a coach. Then I saw a show where Aaron said he is still actually coaching. I was excited to get the chance to take lessons from coach Aaron as I’ve been a fan of his for years. But in all the reviews Scott says Aaron isn’t a coach? Maybe the person replying to comments has nothing to do with the gym? Really mixed messages. I’ll believe Aaron that he is a coach and I look forward to learning the sweet science from someone with so much experience.

Source: Google

★ 5

Something is not right here, Coach Aaron has said many times on his Amazing Steel Toe Morning Show that he was a paid employee and even took the money he got from the gym to supplement the Goal of his show. We need to TRUTH! Is this another Win for the Toe or just another loss 0-2!

Source: Google

★ 5

Scott is great, and the equipment works.

He also has several other classes in the building for a wide range of ages and talents. And if you come here, you might make a friend or two, or maybe find yourself a personal trainer.

On that note, most of the patrons are friendly, and it seems more judgment free than most corporate gyms.

It's a solid gym full of solid people.

Edit: people should stop review bombing based on misguided ideas that people may or may not have been a coach. That Aaron fellow was never mentioned in any notable way, and I've been a member for 2 years.

Source: Google

★ 5

Coach Aaron kept promoting himself online as Minnesotas finest coach at Downtown Gym & fitness. And boy he was not exaggerating. Through Coach Aaron's coaching session at this gym, I developed skills to fend off 5 drunk guys at the same time when I was downtown with my side chick. Downtown Gym & Fitness is lucky to have Coach Aaron as a coach and provides excellent coaching to all ages. Coach Aaron Rulezzz!

Source: Google

★ 4

A dude that I hired to walk my pit bull and now pretends he is my boyfriend is a boxing coach here. He has been training the youth for 3 years now because he doesn’t like spending time with his own kids so he comes here to be around the more talented kids. He always comes around smelling of onions and complete failure when I do see him every couple weeks, but he just can’t seem to lose weight no matter how hard he tries to hit his goal. I attribute it to post menopausal symptoms or a lack of testosterone at this point but he always says he tries his best and he loves doing it. If you’re looking to try and get in shape after hours ask for coach Aaron, he has the master key and can open the place all hours of the night.

Source: Google

★ 5

My favorite boxing gym - coach Aaron really knew how to watch me in April. Highest possible recommendation!

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★ 1

When the gavel dropped, the judge said, "One year of community service. You’ll be Aaron’s Big Brother. And I mean every Saturday.”

I tried not to sigh too loudly. Aaron was described as “special” and needed to feel important. The caseworker mentioned his boxing coach dreams, which sounded harmless. How bad could it be?

That’s how I found myself at Scott’s Gym, a creaky, sweat-scented hole-in-the-wall where worn punching bags hung like beaten soldiers. Scott, the owner, was a grizzled old boxer with a heart as big as his cauliflower ears. He smiled when I introduced myself.

“Aaron’s gonna be thrilled. He’s been telling everyone he’s the new head coach,” Scott said. “I told him he could be #1 Assistant Coach. Close enough, right?”

Aaron burst into the gym moments later, a whirlwind of energy in a too-large tracksuit and fingerless gloves. “Coach Aaron is here!” he announced. The gym echoed with his enthusiasm—and his uncontrollable, bald-sweat drip.

“Time to get to work!” Aaron shouted, tossing me a jump rope. “We start with conditioning!”

He had no idea what he was doing, but that didn’t matter. He barked out jumbled instructions with the ferocity of a drill sergeant, arms flailing like he was orchestrating an invisible marching band. Despite the chaos, Scott’s regulars went along with it—some out of pity, others just for the entertainment.

“Push-ups!” Aaron hollered. “Ten more! For the love of boxing!” His head gleamed under the gym lights like a beacon, and every once in a while, sweat dripped right onto the mat.

I caught Scott grinning in the corner. “Never seen anyone so determined to be the worst coach ever,” he chuckled. “But look around.”

The gym was alive in a way it hadn’t been before. Laughter mixed with groans as Aaron pushed everyone through another absurd circuit. Even I couldn’t help but crack a smile. Aaron may not have had a clue what he was doing, but he was impossible not to root for.

“Did we win?” Aaron finally asked, chest heaving from all the shouting.

I nodded. “We definitely won today, Coach.”

Maybe this Big Brother thing wasn’t so bad after all.

Source: Google

★ 2

Mi haffi talk di truth—Downtown Gym & Fitness was a real letdown, star. Mi did walk inna di place wid high expectations, ready fi get a solid workout an push mi limits. But mi never expect fi deal wid di kinda foolishness weh gwan in deh. From di equipment to di coaching, mi experience never worth di time nor di money.

First off, di gym itself nuh up to par. Some a di machines dem old an rusty, an mi swear di treadmill did a shake like it a go tek off like plane. Mi go fi lift some weights, an di plates dem did all over di place—like nobody nuh bodda clean up after demself. Di whole environment feel disorganized an slack. Mi pay mi good good money fi membership, an mi expect better dan dis.

Now, mi haffi address di biggest problem—Coach Aaron. Mi nuh know if him tink him a di world’s best coach or wha, but di man behavior outta order. From di first session, mi notice him nuh really focus pon proper training. Him love chat more dan anything else, always inna some long reasoning instead of actually guiding mi through di workout. But mi say, “Alright, maybe di man jus like fi keep di vibes up.” But mi realize quick—di man love put him hands pon people too much.

Mi start notice say every time mi a do squats or lunges, dis man find excuse fi adjust mi form. First mi think him a do him job, but then him hand start linger too long. Worse, mi wear mi protective cup cause mi play sports, an mi cyaan tell you how much time dis man try fi “adjust” it fi mi. Mi haffi step back an say, “Boss, mi good, mi nuh need no help deh so.” But him still find reason fi bring it up again like him a tailor fitting mi fi one suit.

It get to di point where mi start feel real uncomfortable, like mi cyaan even focus pon mi workout cause mi haffi watch fi him every move. Mi even mention it to one next gym-goer, an dem give mi di look like dem know exactly wha mi a talk bout. Mi nuh deh pon dat, mi nuh pay mi money fi feel violated while mi a try build mi fitness.

Mi last straw was when mi tell di management bout di situation an dem just brush it off like it nuh serious. Like dem rather protect dem trainer dan listen to di paying customers. Dat alone show mi say dis gym nuh care bout people comfort, dem just waan collect fees an move on.

Mi tek mi business elsewhere. If yuh serious bout fitness an want a professional environment, avoid Downtown Gym & Fitness. An if yuh si Coach Aaron, keep yuh distance unless yuh want constant “adjustments” yuh never ask for.

Source: Google

★ 5

Coach Aaron taught me how to throw like Tyson Fury (before the blow) and how to train my woman like Tony Soprano. Taught me the patented "Steel Toe Slap" and power of Onions. My buddy Ralph Cifaretto is part owner of this joint, great guy, and Coach Aaron services his horse every race day. What a guy!

Source: Google

★ 1

If you want to learn boxing you're better off watching a Rocky movie than going here. Every fighter out of this gym, but one, has a losing record...

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★ 5

Sad to hear this gym is under investigation by Detective Jennifer Santoro from who are the boxer's, after Aaron imholte publicly admitted Coach Scott was paying Aaron to coach with no insurance and no certifications from safe sport or USA Boxing.

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★ 4

This gym has given me a new hope I am an overweight person hooked on building tanks and eating sandwiches so I struggled to get out and about Till I Found Coach Aaron online threw an old friend of mine from my job as a lawyer I got speaking to Aaron and gave him some free advice on his legal issues he's been having Aaron then challenged me to meet him in the Gym and he would coach me on Thursday's when he also working with the young fighters and new members The owner of the Gym Scott in a nice man who also used to be a lawyer so I have plenty to chat with him about He also talks about how Aaron helps him out as a coach now he's getting on in age I can't recommend this gym enough to anyone reading this review It's old vibe gym it's friendly people is just a great place to get you out of your sad lazy life like mine Thanks Coach Aaron and Scott for making me have a new lease on life

Source: Google

★ 1

I was hitting rock bottom luckily Scott and his onion smelling gym had me hitting the goal, I even met a gal named April who gave me a recipe for candied bacon. Wink wink I filled her up yum , welcome to the dabbleverse Scotty

Source: Google

★ 5

I'm new to the sport so having a remarkably cool coach like Aaron really helps!! Every session he sets a goal and whilst he gets a little fidgety if I miss said goal, Coach takes it in stride!! After our workout he treats me to a vanilla protein shake, served out of a clam. Thank you Coach Aaron!!

Source: Google

★ 5

I’m someone who’s actually been to this gym and lives in st cloud. It’s the classic boxing gym atmosphere and I highly recommend.

Source: Google

★ 4

New to the area- I stopped by a few weeks ago with my buddies Geno and Nick on a Thursday just to check it out. It’s a solid gym that we are thinking about joining. The owner Scott seemed to be fired up. He was yelling at this middle aged, balding , and extremely out of shape guy for getting suspended from the boxing gym. Supposedly he was kicked out for beating up multiple women. The chubby guy kept insisting that Onions were the reason. I don’t know why a vegetable would have anything to do with it. But I digress. My Goal
is to join the gym after my Toe heals

Source: Google

★ 5

Ever see “Pumping Iron”? Extrapolate the documentary onto a physical location and you get Downtown Gym and Fitness. Coupled with the friendly staff and patrons you get the best gym…of probably all time…

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★ 5

Great people, great vibe. Machines maintained however some equipment is older and faulty. But there are several alternatives. Great experience 👍
PS: Scott is Great

Source: Google

★ 5

Only gym of it's kind in the area. If you like old school bodybuilding/powerlifting gyms, this is your gym. Tons of equipment other gyms have long forgotten. Plenty for the ladies and average gym goer that "doesn't wanna get too big" too. Boxing and MMA training as well. Owners a great guy and the members are all pretty cool. Check it out. You won't be disappointed.

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

It's awesome best respect very nice people Scott is a awesome guy to talk to and train with very good teacher

Source: Google

★ 1

The owner, Scot, has not been very pleasant to deal with. While I don't want to outright label him as racist, there were instances where I felt he unfairly blamed me and others for mistakes. One particular incident that stands out is when he walked into the women's locker room while I was getting dressed, which made me quite uncomfortable. His behavior towards clients was often disrespectful, as he would yell and shout rather than communicate calmly. Additionally, he crossed a line when he insulted my religion, which made it clear that I could no longer continue as his client after about five months. Moreover, even for minor issues, he would either offer a refund or suggest going elsewhere, which I found unprofessional.

Source: Google

★ 1

Horrible gym never going back. Mistreated and the cleanliness of the gym is not up to par. Felt a bit of racism towards me when dealing wit his mother and when dealing with Scott he is cool at first til u see the real him. Was good at first but would not go back.

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

I joined this gym ~9mo ago and have loved it. Scott (or his mother if he is leading class) say hi and bye to everyone walking in/out = community. I love the kickboxing classes and try to make every one. In the classes its a mix of those who are training to fight competitively and those, like me, who are just there for a good workout. A zillion machines to choose from both upstairs and downstairs. Sauna is nice & I routinely see Scott cleaning it, and everyone in it is respectful in the close quarters. As a bonus, no annual contracts, it's all monthly in advance. Overall Scott makes this place a community where people try, laugh, and sweat alot. Highly recommend and encourage others to visit and see if its for them, but shush, its a secret

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★ 5

I love this gym.

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★ 5

Awesome place to workout/train. Dedicated staff!

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Scott is a solid guy. Love this gym. Wish I had one like this in GA.

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★ 5

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★ 5

Scott is amazing so are all the teachers. Very friendly and warm place to be and all inclusive

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★ 5

Scott, it was a pleasure to meet you Sir. I am thankful and grateful 🙏. Can't wait to come back. Had the best time. Valerie Sunder

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Best Gym in town by far. Takes you to the next level.

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★ 5

Great place to workout. Love Scott the owner, always joking around with everybody, makes everyone feel welcome. There is a class for everyone the coaches here are truly special

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★ 5

Worked out there in the mid 80s while in the area, working at Monticello Nuclear power station. Neat gym, low key serious facility. Felt at home right away.

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★ 5

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★ 5

I've worked out here and enjoyed the atmosphere. The owner is extremely nice! I'm hoping to join kickboxing, I was in boxing last and I enjoyed that very much but looking for a change.

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★ 5

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★ 5

If you're looking for the classic, old school gym feel - the one with that little tinge of musk in the air, and the sound of grunting, ripped beasts on the machine next to you, then this is your new home!

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★ 5

An excellent place to work out. Scott is an amazing guy. I recommend everyone to go over there. Thank you Scott

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★ 5

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★ 5

Scotts is a great guy.

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★ 5

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★ 5

I love Scott, and the Rocky Balboa feel. If you like old school you will like this gym, I've been going here for 5 years, won't leave Unless med school makes me.

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★ 4

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★ 5

Will recommend this place to everyone

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★ 5

Perfect old school gym. I wouldn't go anywhere else. The owner Scott treats you like family

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Place is definitely old school and badass.. Lots of free weights and machines upstairs. Super cool owner too... 💯💯💯

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★ 5

This place has been around for a long time and is a non-profit gym they have everything there from work out equipment the boxing kickboxing wrestling have a boxing ring there it's a great place to must see

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★ 5

Love it

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★ 5

This is the main reason I just can't leave St. Cloud. This is a gym where you come to WORK!

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★ 5

I have been a member of the gym for 2 years. The gym is like an old school gym. Scott the owner is cool. It is clean and very affordable. The equipment is great. Highly recommend this gym.

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★ 4

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★ 5

My family has found a hidden jem. The owner Scott is the best and the coaches are amazing!

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★ 5

Awesome gym

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★ 5

Good place. Great coaches. Lots of equipment.

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 4

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★ 3

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★ 5

Matt Lagou does what's best for each and every student in their training. Knows what they need and helps them to achieve their goals.

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★ 5

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★ 5

The owner Scott is awesome and friendly, gym gots everything you need for functional strength training, and more. And the price is the best.

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★ 5

Excellent variety of equipment!! It is not brand new but i don't think that matters, this is not a chain gym, but the owner will greet you by name. Support local businesses. ☺

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★ 5

the best place in all of saint cloud

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★ 5

Power lifting feel, best gym owner, best gym by far in Saint Cloud.

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★ 5

A lot of equipment for weight lifting. Helpful staff. Just an all around nice gym

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★ 4

Clean an quiet great price constantly updating equipment

Source: Google