About TAL
Our Story
The Athlete Lab was established in 2008 by Kate Klaers, who founded the first woman-owned and operated CrossFit gym in the Twin Cities. With her beginnings during the rise of bootcamps, she began building a client base through the outdoor park systems and renting space from a local gymnastics arena.
With a professional background in firefighting for the City of St. Paul and a Masters in Acupuncture from Northwestern Health Sciences University, Kate brought her knowledge of training and preventative medicine to the forefront of what Athlete Lab stands for.
TAL’s coaches and staff maintain the signature drive for accurate movement standards, safe coaching, and training practices while forging an environment unlike any other gym.
An evolution over the years from bootcamp days to CrossFit, HIIT training, USAW certified Olympic weightlifting classes, yoga, cycling, nutrition coaching services, seminars and more – Athlete Lab is now home to a 9,000 square foot facility with multiple programs and a range of coaching expertise.
Called on as an expert regarding “Best Gym Practices” by Whole 9, The Athlete Lab is a renowned resource in the wellness industry, emphasizing a holistic approach to a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.
The Team
Coach Kate, Owner
Hobbies: mountain biking, hiking, camping, traveling, reading, anything philosophical or mind-blowing
Fave food: steak
Fave indulgence: dark chocolate or chocolate cupcakes
- CrossFit L1 & L2
- Catalyst Athletic Olympic Weightlifting, L1
- CrossFit Olympic Weightlifting,
- Powerlifting, Rowing, Gymnastics,
- Mobility, Aerobic Capacity
- RKC Level 1 Instructor
- Real Ryder Certified
- Mad Dogg Athletics Spin Certified
- MN State Record Holder, 2014: Olympic Weightlifting, Masters 75k
- FRC™ Certified Practitioner
Coach Megan
Hobbies: mega-mom to 3 boys, walking through Target without kids, reading
Fave food: Brasa pulled chicken, chips & guacamole
Fave indulgence: anything involving chocolate and peanut butter
- CrossFit L1 & L2
- USAW L1
- 15 years of competitive gymnastics experience
Coach Nick
Hobbies: Family time, 2 boys, coaching youth soccer, all outdoor activities, anything home improvement, CEO of CCM Construction
Fave Food: All things Italian or a big Greek salad
Fave Indulgence: Dill pickle chips
- CrossFit Level 1
- Currently studying for Precision Nutrition Certification
- Olympic Weightlifting Coach
Coach Megan
Hobbies: Mom to 3 awesome boys, coaching youth sports, cabin time, active outdoors, fishing, escaping in music, cooking, long walks
Fave Food: Thai
Fave Indulgence: Wine, popcorn and a movie
- NASM Corrective Exercise Specialization
- NASM Certified Personal Trainer
- NASM Group Personal Training Specialization
- NETA Group Fitness Instructor (HIIT, kettlebells, pilates anatomy, core assessment)
- Real Ryder Cycling
- YMCA Cycle Training
Coach Alicia
Hobbies: I love to spend time watching my 3 daughters chase their dreams (playing sports), running, walking, snow shoeing, lifting, and cycling, travel, reading, family time
Fave food: Tacos and gummy bears
Fave Indulgence: Taking time out for me – massage, nails, bubble bath with a book.
- NASM Personal Trainer
- Women’s Fitness Specialist (WFS)
- NETA Cycling Certification
- Yoga
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @theathletelab