A new year on the calendar does not make you a better athlete. Growth won’t happen simply because the date changes or you make a big declaration about what you want. Progress begins when you raise your personal standard, hold yourself accountable to it every day, and commit to the habits that support your goals. Last year is already behind you. Your successes, setbacks, highlights, missed opportunities, and excuses are all part of your history now. What matters is what you ch

Being an athlete is hard. Being an athlete while your body is growing faster than your brain can keep up with? That’s a whole different challenge. If you’ve ever felt like your legs got longer overnight, your coordination disappeared, or the things that felt easy last season suddenly feel awkward ... you’re not alone. Growth spurts are a normal part of becoming a stronger, more powerful athlete. But they can also be frustrating, confusing, and even scary. Let’s talk about wha

Alexandria, MN (January 2026) – Noonan Sport Specialists (NSS) is excited to announce the addition of Sarah Patterson to their personal training team. Sarah’s longstanding interest in health, fitness, nutrition, and overall wellness led her to pursue a career in personal training in 2022. She brings a strong foundation in movement and biomechanics to her coaching, supported by a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an Associate of Appli

When athletes walk into the gym, the field, or the weight room, they usually think about right now . How do I get faster today? How do I perform well this week? How do I impress my coach at the next game? Training for the present matters, but it’s only half the picture. The best athletes, the ones who stay healthy, improve year after year, and eventually reach their highest potential, understand something different… They train for both  the athlete they are today and  the ath

The end of the year is one of the most powerful times for athletes. School slows down, sports take breaks or shift seasons, and there’s finally space to breathe, reflect, and reset. Instead of waiting for January to “start fresh,” athletes can use this time to look back on their progress and set a strong foundation for the new year. Here are 10 important questions every athlete should ask themselves before January . Questions that help them grow, take ownership, and step conf

Alexandria, MN (December 2025) – Noonan Sport Specialists (NSS) is excited to announce the addition of Troy Tiesenga to their personal training team. Troy is currently pursuing his NASM Certified Personal Trainer credential and NASM Nutrition Certification. He brings a strong foundation in anatomy, health, and movement from his early academic studies. Troy’s deep passion for helping people feel stronger, move better, and build long-term healthy habits makes him an excellent

Noonan Sport Specialists Welcomes  Grace Winterfeldt as Personal Trainer Alexandria, MN (December 2025) – Noonan Sport Specialists (NSS) is excited to welcome Grace Winterfeldt to their personal training team. She is currently pursuing her second year in the Exercise Science program at Alexandria Technical & Community College and will graduate with an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Exercise Science in May 2026. Originally from Comfrey, MN, Grace has developed

Noonan Sport Specialists Welcomes  Apryl Putnam Alexandria, MN (November 2025) – Noonan Sport Specialists (NSS) is excited to announce the addition of Apryl Putnam to their personal training team. Apryl is certified in Personal Training, Nutrition, and CPR/First Aid, and is currently expanding her knowledge in advanced nutrition, mindset, and women’s hormonal health. She brings a strong blend of experience, education, and passion to the clients she serves. Originally from B

Sports teach more than just how to run faster, jump higher, or hit harder. They teach life skills. The lessons athletes learn on the field or in the gym can make a huge difference in how they approach school, studying, and daily challenges. Here’s how athletes can take the same habits that make them successful in sports and apply them in the classroom. 1. Discipline and Consistency Matter Everywhere Athletes know what it takes to improve. Showing up, putting in effort, and do

Every athlete faces moments that don’t go as planned. A missed play, a bad game, a tough loss, or an injury that slows progress. These moments sting, but they’re also powerful growth opportunities. The best athletes don’t avoid setbacks, they use  them. They see each challenge as feedback, not failure. 1. Reframe the Moment It’s easy to think, “I failed.”  Instead, ask yourself, “What can this teach me?” Every setback reveals something, maybe it’s about your focus, your prepa

If you’re a student-athlete, your schedule can feel like a nonstop juggling act. Classes, homework, practices, games, and everything in...

The shift from summer to the school year can feel like a complete 180 for student-athletes. Long days filled with open schedules,...

𝗡𝗦𝗦 𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝗳 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵!! It’s with bittersweet news that we...

There’s a popular mindset in sports that says, “no pain, no gain.” While hard work and discipline are important, pushing through pain is...

We’ve moved and we’re ready to celebrate!  🎉 After nearly two decades of helping clients get stronger, healthier, and more confident,...

As the days get longer and the sidewalks get drier, a lot (ok, some 🙃) folks start feeling that itch to get outside and run. But if you...

We’ve got some exciting updates to share with you, and we couldn’t be more pumped. 🎉 Our new NSS home is coming to life. Construction is...

As we near the end of the school year, it's the perfect time to reflect on the growth, grit, and gains made by our student-athletes here...

As a young athlete, pursuing excellence in a chosen sport can feel like a year-round commitment. Between practices, games, and...

Can you believe it, NSS is turning 18! Eighteen years ago, on April 1st, 2007, we opened the doors to Noonan Sport Specialists with a big...