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About Us
Lani Varela
Owner, Vinna Fitness
Coach Lani has been the heartbeat of Vinna Fitness for over 11 years, moving from Head Coach to General Manager and now CEO. She holds a double major in Athletic Training (Sports Medicine) and Exercise Science. Having spent years in medical training rooms helping athletes recover from injuries, she transitioned to personal training to provide the 40+ demographic with the representation and expert care they often lack in mainstream fitness media.
Lani’s coaching style is observant and direct, yet deeply supportive. She holds numerous advanced certifications, including ATC, CSCS, and FMS, and believes in a "whole-person" approach to fitness. This often means collaborating with a client’s doctors or physical therapists to ensure they are supported from every angle. Under her leadership, Vinna remains a friendly, team-oriented space where members truly care about one another's wellbeing.
"There is a deep power in the moment a client realizes they can do something they once thought was impossible. My mission is to help you stop worrying about what you can't do, so you can start living everything you want to do."
Lani Varela
Owner, Vinna Fitness
Why Choose Vinna Fitness
At Vinna Fitness, we deliver a higher standard of personal training for adults aged 40 and older in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. Our mission is to help you move better, build strength, and improve your quality of life through personalized, evidence-based fitness coaching.
Our certified coaches have advanced backgrounds in sports medicine, athletic training, and functional movement. Each member of our team is committed to ongoing education and holds additional certifications in specialized areas of fitness and rehabilitation.
We take the time to understand your health history, current capabilities, and personal goals. During your initial strategy session, we’ll guide you through a Functional Movement Screen (FMS) to identify movement patterns, limitations, and areas of strength. This allows us to develop a customized training plan that emphasizes injury prevention, proper movement mechanics, and long-term progress.
At Vinna Fitness, we don’t offer generic workouts. We provide structured, goal-oriented coaching that meets you where you are—so you can train with confidence, improve safely, and enjoy lasting results.
Tim Schroeder
Coach
Coach Tim’s mission is to prove that aging doesn’t have to mean slowing down. His own fitness journey shifted from a focus on high-intensity "burnout" workouts to a philosophy of longevity—a change that now defines how he coaches his clients. Since 2015, Tim has specialized in helping adults reclaim their independence, focusing his passion on helping clients overcome the fear of injury so they can stay active with their families for the long haul.
Known for his patience and obsession with proper form, Tim is a NASM-certified personal trainer and a specialist in Functional Movement Systems (FMS). He excels at adapting and modifying exercises to meet any client's unique needs, intentionally fostering a zero-ego environment at the studio. He believes that the goal isn't to be the fastest in the room, but simply to become the healthiest version of yourself through small, steady efforts.
"I want to show you that aging doesn't have to mean slowing down. My goal is to help you move with such confidence that you forget about your age when you’re out living your life."
Katie Capistrant
Coach
Coach Katie’s journey didn't start in a traditional gym; it began with a lifelong passion for movement in all forms—from avid cycling and circus arts to acroyoga. Her transition into personal training was driven by a deep curiosity about how to maintain a healthy body through the aging process. After studying corrective exercise to address her own imbalances, Katie dedicated herself to helping others discover a connection to their bodies they never knew was possible.
With certifications in NASM CPT, CES (Corrective Exercise Specialist), and FMS 1+2, Katie brings a high level of technical precision to her coaching. Her background in martial arts and circus performance gives her a unique expertise in active mobility and calisthenics, which she uses to help clients build coordination and joint stability. Known for her laid-back yet attentive style, Katie is a master at listening to her clients’ needs and celebrating the "wins"—ensuring they have the confidence and mechanics to succeed before ever tackling a heavy lift.
"Movement is a lifelong conversation with your body. My goal is to help you hear what it's saying so you can build the stability, mechanics, and strength to keep doing what you love for years to come."
Cole deBorhegyi
Coach
For Cole, fitness is a lifelong passion that led to a 4-year degree in Exercise Sports Science from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse. He brings a "fun but regimented" energy to the gym floor, ensuring that while the atmosphere is lighthearted, the mechanics are precise and safe. Cole is a firm believer that there is no "one-size-fits-all" approach to health; he is passionate about giving his clients the specific tools and knowledge they need to succeed both inside and outside the gym.
As an NSCA-certified professional with additional training in FMS and TRX, Cole views fitness as a tool for real-world independence. He is a strong advocate for the social connections built within Vinna’s semi-private training sessions, believing that a supportive community is a vital pillar of motivation. He is most proud when a client tells him that their work in the gym has made a daily task feel effortless and pain-free.
"You owe it to yourself to live a life that is healthy and pain-free. My job is to give you the tools and the mechanics to succeed not just during our hour together, but in every hour you spend outside these walls."
Michael Spooner
Administrative Aide
Michael provides the administrative support necessary to ensure the day-to-day operations at Vinna Fitness run seamlessly, allowing the coaching staff to focus entirely on our members. Michael's path to Vinna Fitness began with a personal commitment to overcoming his own challenges with back pain, posture, and mobility. This journey sparked a deep respect for corrective exercise and its ability to restore quality of life—a philosophy that sits at the heart of our studio.
He is actively deepening his expertise by studying corrective exercise principles under our lead coaches. Michael’s goal is to transition his growing knowledge to the training floor, contributing to the culture of precise, pain-free movement that defines the Vinna Fitness experience.
"I appreciate the opportunity to grow alongside a team that values movement as much as I do. My goal is to ensure our members feel supported from the moment they walk in the door."
Start Your Journey with Us
Every partnership at Vinna Fitness begins with a conversation and a plan built specifically for your body and your goals. Experience the difference that professional, intentional coaching makes.
The benefits of personal training:
Working with our knowledgeable personal trainers gets you a customized plan along with the accountability needed to stay motivated and create healthy habits.
Customized program
Improve your mobility
Learn to move your body efficiently
Increase your strength
The benefits of personal training:
Working with our knowledgeable personal trainers gets you a customized plan along with the accountability needed to stay motivated and create healthy habits.
Customized program
Improve your mobility
Learn to move your body efficiently
Increase your strength
What Our Clients Say About Us
When I started working out at Vinna my lower back and my knees were a mess. I was very tight and in quite a bit of pain. Within just six weeks, both are feeling great again! My balance is improving and my overall strength seems to be improving as well with each passing week. If you are wanting to move better and feel better, head to toe, Vinna is a great place to start.
-Lesley C.
Jane Doe
I love Vinna! I walked in with a devastating hamstring injury. After working with their amazing trainers, this winter I am skiing with no fear and extra confidence. I am stronger, slimmer and better mobility. Have I mentioned the community? The people are the best and keep me accountable to showing up!
-Susan S.
Jane Doe
Move Better. Get Stronger. Live the Life You Love
Contact Us
Email
info@vinnafitness.com
Address
3550 Dakota Ave S Ste B, St. Louis Park MN 55416
Phone Number:
952.260.7072
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