Built in a machine shop. Still run like one.
Taconite is named for the iron-ore pellets mined on the Iron Range: small, dense and hard to break. That's what we want your training to feel like.
Six racks, one rule
Coach Marcus Hale opened Taconite in 2014 in a former tool-and-die shop on 18th Avenue NE. The landlord left the overhead crane; we left the concrete floor and put six racks on it.
The rule was simple: every member gets coached , including on open-gym days. Somebody on staff checks your squat, asks about your knee and tells you when it's time to add weight.
We've grown into 12,000 square feet next door and a staff of 14 coaches. The rule hasn't changed, and neither has the crane.
Twelve years on 18th Avenue
2014
Opens with six racks, 40 founding members and one rowing machine.
2016
First group classes; Iron Circuit is still the most-booked class.
2019
Expands into the warehouse next door. 24 racks, turf lane and cardio deck.
2022
Nutrition coaching launches; Dana Okafor joins full time.
2025
Recovery room opens: dry sauna, cold plunge and mobility studio.
What we believe about training
01
Strength first
Getting stronger makes everything easier: stairs, groceries, grandkids, a half-marathon. Every program here starts with a lift.
02
Coached, not supervised
Coaches on the floor teach. They don't stand at the desk. If your bar path drifts, someone will tell you.
03
Numbers over feelings
We log your lifts, retest monthly and show you the trend. Good weeks and bad weeks both count.
04
No egos at the rack
Chalk is allowed, dropping deadlifts is allowed, mocking someone's warm-up weight gets you a conversation with Marcus.
Inside the club
Lifting floor, turf lane, fight corner and recovery room, all under one roof.
Full facility tour
2014
Opened on 18th Ave NE
1,900
Active members
14
Coaches on staff
4.9
Average member rating
Come see the floor
Tours run every hour we're staffed. Bring workout clothes and we'll put you through a warm-up.