By Chad Koenen

Publisher

 A long-awaited business development in the heart of Battle Lake has its first tenant.  ¶  Total Body Fitness officially opened on April 2 and brings a 24 hour gym with a big city feel to a small town in the heart of lakes country. The gym is owned and operated by Battle Lake natives Shelby and Brittany Trosdahl.  ¶  Both Shelby and Brittany graduated from Battle Lake High School in 2011 and 2010 respectively and had been working as traveling physical therapists in Arizona. But like many things during the COVID-19 pandemic, the couple began to look for a change during the pandemic and started floating around the idea of moving back to the area to raise a family. They moved back to Battle Lake and were surprised that a 24/7 gym had yet to be opened in their home town.  ¶  “We came back from Arizona and there still was not a 24 hour fitness center in Battle Lake. I said I can’t believe it and I think we can make it go,” said Shelby.  ¶  Nearly three years ago, Shelby began emailing the developer of Hatchery Row inquiring about potential space that could be made available for a gym.

Since the next closest 24 hour fitness center was located some 20 miles away in Fergus Falls, the Trosdahl’s felt confident they could find a niche in the area by bringing big city equipment and features to a small community. They installed new weight equipment, cardio equipment, chiropractic services and even a personal trainers to provide a special addition to the new Hatchery Row development in Battle Lake. 

“Why not bring big fitness equipment to Battle Lake,” said Shelby. “You want people to come in and say wow.”

The new Total Body Fitness center will offer personal trainer service by appointment, as well as a group instructor. There will also be chiropractic services 2-3 days a week that will be offered at the facility. Members can access the facility 24 hours a day by a key fob, or app on a phone that will also act as a key. 

“It’s been a lot of work, but a lot of fun,” said Shelby. 

The gym hasn’t been the only excitement for the Trosdahl family over the past year. In addition to their full-time jobs as physical trainers and the new gym, the Trosdahls welcomed their first child to their family 11 months ago. 

Total Body Fitness is located at 106 West Henning St. in Battle Lake. For more information on becoming a member, contact (218) 282-0455 by phone or shelby@tbtherapies.org by email.