Kari Benedix-Gansch, a wife, mother and welder, said she is at a point in life where she can turn her lifelong love of athletics and exercise into a new small business in International Falls – and after a couple months has already started looking at expanding.
This past fall, Gansch said she decided to pursue her dreams to become an International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) certified personal trainer.
Almost right after, Gansch said she began operating her new venture, The Workshop, out of Kootasca Community Action Inc.’s gym at 2232 Second Ave. E.
“It’s going crazy well, far beyond what I expected and all by word of mouth,” Gansch told The Journal this week. “I love it. I love every second of it.
“And I think what most other people love about it is the intensity and how I switch things up all the time,” she said. “It’s never boring. It’s always exciting.”
It’s grown so much so fast, Gansch said she’s already looking for her own permanent space. With a new location, she said she won’t have to work around the community nonprofit’s gym schedule.
Gansch said she provides “boot camp-style” classes up to six days a week, each an hour long, from 6-7 p.m. and 7-8 p.m. as well as one-on-one training.
Gansch said her expertise keeps expanding as well (Her brother, Pete Benedix, is a local mix-martial arts trainer, fighter and youth wrestling coach.).
She incorporates boxing and football-like sprint exercises into the strength and cardiovascular regimen known more commonly as “high-intensity interval training,” or HIIT.
“I’d say 80 percent of it actually is nutrition, and the other 20 percent is physical,” she said of her classes.
Gansch said she also teaches yoga and is considering incorporating martial arts classes.
“The sky’s the limit if I can find the right space,” Gansch said. “I pretty much just started out with my friends, and it keeps going up from there.”
She charges $10 a class per person, but gives discounts for those who buy pre-paid packages, she said.
Her services include weigh-ins and body fat measurements, among with other things, according to her website, www.issacertifiedtrainer.com/karigansch.
Gansch has been renting out the gym just about every night and the weekends, noted Falls Kootasca Office Support Specialist Amy Mortenson.
In addition, Gansch also provides volunteer exercise classes for the elderly at Ranier Roost, said John Decker, an old friend whose family owns the facility.
“If you’re motivated to get healthier and stronger, you’ve come to the right place,” according to Gansch’s website.
“As an ISSA-certified fitness professional, I can help you set realistic goals and transform your health and your life for the better,” she wrote. “I can help you look and feel your best. And I can help you enjoy yourself along the way.”
To reach Gansch, go to her website and click “contact me,” or call her at 240-4270. She also has a The Workshop Facebook page.
