WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

Noonan Sport Specialists began in 2005 as an idea formed in a second-story apartment in Moorhead, Minnesota.
 

While finishing their degrees at Minnesota State University Moorhead, Mike Hawes and Dustin Schlichting were interning at Noonan Strength Systems. Through those experiences and conversations with owner Dominic Noonan, the decision was made to bring that training model to Alexandria, Minnesota.

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After a year of planning and groundwork, Noonan Sport Specialists officially opened its doors in April of 2007.

From those early days, NSS was built on a clear belief. Training should meet people where they are, not intimidate them or force them into a one-size-fits-all system.

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As NSS grew, so did the community around it. Over time, Alexandria NSS evolved into a 7,000-square-foot training facility serving individuals and athletes of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. What never changed was the approach. Thoughtful coaching. Clear progressions. A focus on fundamentals. A culture built on consistency, accountability, and trust.

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Every client comes in with a different story. Different injuries. Different histories. Different stressors. Different goals. That is why NSS takes the time to understand each person’s starting point and build from there. Training at NSS is grounded in our eight big-rock movement patterns, creating a foundation that supports long-term strength, health, and confidence.

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Beyond the physical side, NSS has always believed education matters. Helping people understand how training fits into real life. Teaching habits that last beyond the gym. Supporting a lifestyle built around movement, resilience, and smart choices.

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In June of 2025, NSS entered a new chapter with the move into its permanent home at 591 Northside Drive in Alexandria. For Mike and Dustin, the move represented more than a change of address. It marked nearly two decades of commitment, risk, learning, and reinvestment back into the community that supported NSS from the beginning.

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What started as a small idea has become a long-term commitment to helping people train with purpose.

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We would love the opportunity to meet you and help you take your next step forward.