I've been training here for a little over 1 year now. The class-style workouts really help me stay motivated and the trainers have been great. There are classes that focus on building strength, high intensity interval workouts, stability/mobility and Eischens yoga. You will also see some crossover, with the yoga, for example, popping up in ways you might not expect.

An inspiring and encouraging- yet intensly competitive workout environment. Since joining MBG 7 months ago, I quickly gained strength and endurance. I currently am in the best shape of my life. Every class challenges me both physically and mentally- I continue to grow as an athlete, learn about my own body, and have seen the benefits of what MBG has done for my health and wellness. Working out in a group environment where everyone supports each other, where trainers know you and push you harder, and where you track your accomplishments and set goals, has made me fall in love with this place. Plus, you get to run, jump, and climb!

The Monkey Bar Gym is a great place to develop strength, fitness and body awareness. Jon Hinds, the founder of the gym and himself a world-class athlete, has trained everyone from NBA and MLB athletes to the average Joe and Jill. The Monkey Bar teaches a program of body weight and kettle bell strength progressions that can be adapted for all levels- from the couch potato just starting a strength and conditioning program to high level athletes training for college sports and beyond. In fact, within the gym, you will often see people from both sides of this spectrum working out side by side. Along with strength and conditioning the Monkey Bar system incorporates restorative practice training. Eischens Yoga and Mobility-Stability classes teach body awareness and promote active recovery. Balancing strength and conditioning work with restorative work really sets the MBG apart in my mind. It is a key part of the philosophy the gym espouses - that sustainable personal and physical growth is possible throughout the lifespan with hard work balanced by active restorative practice for the mind and body. To me the Monkey Bar exemplifies what physical culture in the 21st century should be about.

Bottom line: Jon Hinds is one the top trainers in the entire country, which makes his Monkey Bar Gym one of the top programs in the entire country. Go ahead, do the homework yourself. Google Jon Hinds. His resume, reputation and credentials are nearly impossible to beat, and the fact that this little gem is right here in Madison, WI is a little unlikely. (It makes me wonder if Madisonites that aren’t training at Monkey Bar understand just what they’re missing!) He’s coached countless pro athletes, and that’s impressive, but his real strength is working with the everyman and everywoman. He has a gift when it comes to helping “regular people” understand fitness & nutrition – how to make it fun, accessible, sustainable and part of your everyday lifestyle. Jon has built an amazing community at Monkey Bar Gym – if you’re at all interested in being a part of something incredibly special, give them a call. You won’t regret it!

I started at the Monkey Bar Gym with the 60-day challenge. It is a great way to learn all the basics and get your form down so you can feel confident with every work out. I never thought I would like a gym this much, but I keep coming back after more than three years. It's fun, it's challenging, and I have made gains in my strength and ability that I never thought would be possible.