At Studio ME, we don’t just program workouts. We build people.

The ME Method is our training system designed specifically for adults who want to stay strong, move well, and continue doing the things they love for decades—not just the next 8 weeks.

Because let’s be honest. Most fitness programs are built for:
• People with unlimited time
• People chasing aesthetics only
• People willing to beat their bodies up

Our members? They want something different.

They want to:
• Stay active without pain
• Keep up with their kids
• Travel without limitations
• Feel strong and capable
• Age well

That requires a smarter approach.

STUDIO ME philosophy to training for live.

Strength Training for Real Life (Not Just the Gym) Train

We believe strength training should prepare you for life, not just for lifting heavier weights.

Yes, we use traditional strength exercises.
Yes, we believe in progressive overload.
Yes, we help you get stronger.

But the barbell is just a tool. It is NOT the goal.

The goal is helping you move better, feel better, and become more resilient so whatever life throws your way—you’re ready.

That’s why our training is built around the 7 fundamental movement patterns.

The 7 Movement Patterns That Every Strength Program Should Include

Every program at Studio ME is built around these essential human movements:

Hinge – Deadlifts, hip bridges, kettlebell swings, etc
Squat – Goblet squats, split squats, box squats, etc
Lunge – Reverse Lunges, walking lunges, supported lunges, etc
Push – Dumbbell presses, pushups, landmine presses, etc
Pull – Rows, pulldowns, band work, etc
Carry – Farmer carries, suitcase carries, etc
Rotate – Core rotation, anti-rotation work, etc

Why these?

Because these are the movements you use every day whether you realize it or not:
• Picking up groceries (hinge)
• Getting off the floor (squat)
• Climbing stairs (lunge)
• Opening doors (push or pull)
• Pulling luggage (pull)
• Carrying kids (carry)
• Twisting to grab something (rotate)

If we strengthen these patterns, we strengthen your life.

Why We Train More Pulling Than Pushing

If you sit at a computer most of the day, your body adapts whether you want it to or not.

Shoulders round forward.
Upper backs weaken.
Necks tighten.
Posture suffers.

That’s why we intentionally program more pulling than pushing.

Most people already do too much pushing in daily life:
• Typing
• Driving
• Phone use
• Desk posture

Pulling exercises help restore balance by:
• Strengthening the upper back
• Improving posture
• Reducing shoulder pain
• Supporting long-term joint health

This is one of the many small programming decisions that makes a big difference over time.

Because at Studio ME, we don’t just think about today’s workout.

We think about how you’ll feel in 10 years.

How a Typical Studio ME Workout is Structured

Every session follows a purposeful structure so you get the right stimulus without unnecessary wear and tear.

ME (Main Effort)

This is your primary strength or power focus.

This is where you challenge yourself safely with heavier weights or more demanding movements. This is where we build real strength.

This might look like:
• Trap bar deadlift
• Squat variation
• Press variation
• Row variation

This is not about maxing out.

It’s about progressive, intelligent strength development.

Accessory Block

This is where we build durability.

Higher reps. Lighter loads. More control.

This is where we strengthen the smaller muscles that protect your joints and improve performance.

Examples might include:
• Single leg work
• Shoulder stability exercises
• Glute strengthening
• Core control work

This is often the work that keeps people training consistently without setbacks.

Finisher

We end sessions with a focused finisher designed to build capacity without destroying recovery.

This may be:
• Conditioning circuits
• Core work
• Upper body endurance
• Carry variations
• Low impact cardio intervals

The goal is to leave feeling accomplished—not exhausted.

Because consistency beats intensity over time.

Team sled pushes are a great way to increase work capacity.

Personalized Strength Program Based on How YOU Move From Your Movement Assessment Scores

No two members train exactly the same way.

Because no two bodies move the same.

This is where our movement assessments and Kinotek technology come in.

We use movement analysis to identify:
• Mobility limitations
• Stability gaps
• Asymmetries
• Compensation patterns

Then we build your progressions accordingly.

For one member, a squat progression might look like:

Rehab level: Supported squat to box

Early strength: Goblet squat

Intermediate: Front squat variation

Advanced: Barbell squat or heavy split squat

We meet you where you are.

Then we progress you safely.

This is how people build strength without constantly starting over from injury or setbacks.

Training Age Matters More Than Calendar Age

We don’t program based on how old you are.

We program based on your training age.

Someone who is 55 but has trained consistently for 10 years may progress faster than someone who is 30 and brand new to strength training.

We consider:
• Movement quality
• Training history
• Injury history
• Recovery ability
• Lifestyle stress

Because smart programming is individualized programming.

Science Meets Experience

The ME Method isn’t random.

It combines:
• Exercise science principles
• Progressive overload
• Movement quality focus
• Recovery awareness
• Real-world coaching experience

But just as important is our experience working with adults who have real responsibilities.

Over the years we've learned: Adults don’t need more punishment. They need better structure.

They need coaching that understands:
• Busy schedules
• Work stress
• Family responsibilities
• Previous injuries
• Energy fluctuations

Our goal is helping you train in a way that supports your life—not competes with it.

Strength is the Byproduct. Capability is the Goal.

Yes, you will get stronger here.

But strength alone isn’t the outcome we care about most.

We care about helping you become more capable.

Capable of:
• Hiking without knee pain
• Carrying luggage easily
• Playing with kids or grandkids
• Feeling confident in your body
• Staying independent as you age

The best compliment we hear isn’t: "I lifted more weight."

It’s: "Life feels easier.” or “My back no longer hurts.”

That’s the real goal.

Progression Without Burnout

Many programs push intensity at the expense of longevity.

We do the opposite.

We cycle training through phases:
• Foundation and movement quality
• Muscle development
• Strength building
• Performance testing

This allows:
Recovery
Adaptation
Progression
Longevity

This is how people stay consistent year after year.

And consistency is where real transformation happens.

Crew celebrating after completing our quarterly challenge.

Preparing You for Everything Life Throws Your Way

At Studio ME, we’re not preparing you for a competition.

We’re preparing you for life.

Unexpected demands.
Physical challenges.
Aging well.
Staying independent.

The strongest people aren’t the ones who lift the most.

They’re the ones who can keep showing up year after year.

That’s what the ME Method is built for.

No quick fixes.

No shortcuts.

Just smart, personalized training designed to help you live your strongest life.

Ready to Experience the ME Method?

If you're looking for a smarter way to train—one that helps you build strength while protecting your body—we’d love to show you how we do things differently right here in Northeast Minneapolis. We specialize in helping busy professionals and active adults build strength safely. Our semi-private training model allows for personalized coaching while training in a supportive community environment.

Your body deserves a plan.

And you deserve coaching that sees the long game.

Start your journey with the ME Method today.

Try Two Weeks Today

Personalized Strength Training in Minneapolis: How We Train at Studio ME