Neighbor News
D1 Training Introduces Athletic-Based Fitness Concept to St. Paul
Local Entrepreneur Opens State-of-the-Art Fitness Facility

D1 Training, a leading fitness concept utilizing the five core tenets of athletic-based training is now open in downtown Saint Paul. The group fitness franchise employs a sports-science backed training regimen that aims to provide members with a similar experience to that of a Division 1 athlete in terms of equipment, programming and culture. Its programs are led by certified trainers to help people of all ages and abilities achieve their sports and fitness goals. The highly-anticipated, 8,000 square foot training center will be located on the skyway level of the Minnesota Wild practice facility, Treasure Island Center, at 400 Wabasha St. North, Suite 380.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to own a business that helps others achieve their goals,” said Kristoffar Nelson, local owner of D1 Training Saint Paul. “Our space caters to everyone, whether you’re a parent looking to lose weight and sneak in a work out in over lunch or a youth athlete seeking to improve their skills and performance on the field. We have trainers, known as coaches at D1, that can help people at any level – making sure everyone feels welcome is our top priority.”
Nelson is joining a roster of impressive existing franchisees and owners some of which include professional athletes such as future NFL Hall of Famer Payton Manning, Super Bowl MVP Von Miller, and NBA All Star Chris Paul. With more than 18 years of experience in financial consulting, Nelson is poised for success as a business owner. Prior to launching D1 Training Saint Paul, Nelson worked as a market and financial consultant for communities wanting to build or expand arenas, stadiums, sports complexes and other public venues. After observing the extensive growth in the youth sport markets through his work, Nelson discovered D1 Training and knew it would be a perfect way to fulfill his dream of business ownership and make an impact on the greater Twin Cities community. This is his first D1 Training location, with plans to open additional locations throughout the metro area in the future.
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In addition to specializing in both personal, team, and small group training, D1 Training offers five age-based programs including Rookie (ages 7-11), Developmental (ages 12-14), Prep (ages 15-18), as well as Boot Camp and Strength Training for adults. Each fitness program is based on D1’s 5-Star Training philosophy incorporating: dynamic warm-up, performance, strength, core and conditioning and cool down. Every workout is expertly-designed by D1’s National Training Panel that includes strength and conditioning coaches at several top Division 1 universities. D1’s programming is built around the concept of periodization which builds week-upon-week to create a well-rounded program targeted to reach specific goals. Some additional benefits of D1’s 5-Star Training include utilization of the latest science in training and physiology, one on one goal setting and tracking of results, adaptable and personalized workouts, recovery tools and more.
“Kristoffar is the ideal candidate to bring the D1 Training experience to St. Paul,” said the brand’s Chief Operating Officer, Dan Murphy. “We’re thrilled to welcome him to the D1 family and are confident in his ability to show the St. Paul area what they’ve been missing out on. D1 is a one-of-a-kind fitness experience that’s built around the individual and meant to help people meet their goals. Our strong network of franchisees embodies our core values to bring the D1 Training vision to life, and we know Kristoffar will do just that in St. Paul and its surrounding communities.”
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Strategically expanding across the nation through franchising, D1 Training has more than 50 performance centers currently open with more than 100 additional locations in development. The brand is currently seeking qualified and active community members to expand its footprint and help more people meet their fitness goals.
For more information on D1 Training and franchise opportunities, please visit https://www.d1sportstraining.com/ and https://www.d1franchise.com.
About D1 Training
Founded in 2001 by former NFL player Will Bartholomew, and based in Nashville, D1 Training began franchising in 2016. It has 46 locations currently open, with an additional 99 in development, across 26 states. The brand was recently featured in Forbes, ranked in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 and was named a Top 30 Gym in America by Men’s Health Magazine. D1 Training has been endorsed by the NFL Players Association as an approved training facility and is a preferred partner of the National Academy of Sports Medicine. D1 Training is actively seeking qualified, community-minded franchisees with a passion for the fitness industry to continue its growth through single and multi-unit franchise deals. For more information on D1 Training and franchise opportunities, please visit www.d1franchise.com.