‘More than just a bodybuilding gym’: New fitness center opens in Minot

MINOT, N.D. (KMOT) – A bodybuilding training facility in Minot has been open for about a month now, but the owner said it has been a decade in the making.

Iron Culture is a female-owned gym open to anyone who wants to get started in fitness.

Getting uncomfortable to be comfortable is how pro-athlete Laura Connell describes her fitness journey.

Connell opened Iron Culture to give people a positive environment, whether it is their first time at the gym or if they have been to the gym for most of their lives.

“I just wanted a facility that I can have everything that I needed for the tools to achieve my goals all in one place,” said Connell.

Along with other pro athletes, Connell provides personalized training and nutrition advice.

She recently started training the Lopez twins, some up-and-coming boxers in Minot.

“Everybody thinks it’s like violence, but it helps your life a lot mentally and physically,” said boxer Rafael Lopez.

The twins are only 17-years-old, and they have been boxing since they were six.

“The big picture is getting a belt. Getting like a WC belt or WBO belt,” said boxer Jose Lopez.

Although they do not see themselves as bodybuilders, they said training with Connell helps get their base strength up.

“It’s super clean here. The lights are amazing. The layout is super good,” said Jose.

Connell said it was when she started reaching her goals on stage that pushed her to help others reach theirs.

“It was a lifestyle change. It was deciding that I’m not going to be able to go out with friends, I’m not going to be able to say ‘Hey, I’m going to stay up late at night.’ It’s a very strict lifestyle,” said Connell.

She still competes to this day, and said she looks forward to her next shows in 2025.

Iron Culture is located by South Broadway and it is open 24 hours a day.

It costs $65 a month for a standard membership, with discounts for military and first responders.

Day passes start at $10 a day.

To sign up, you can visit Iron Culture on Facebook or Instagram.

Copyright 2024 KFYR. All rights reserved.